Lincoln athletes representing Team USA in Australia

Posted By: Rachael Miner

rminer@klkntv.com

Crossing the finish line of a triathlon as a member of Team USA, it’s a dream Lincoln native Scott Croner finally achieved last year and he’s going to do it again this year.

Scott along with fellow Linconite Maria Mota, and six others from Eastern Nebraska are representing Team USA at the International Triathlon Union’s World Championship in Gold Coast Australia.

It will be the second time competing for both Croner and Mota, but the privilege of representing their country never gets old.

"As soon as you throw on that suit and you’re representing the United States it becomes something so much bigger than yourself," Mota said.

Athletes from over 50 countries come to compete.

They’re divided into age groups and must complete a 750 meter swim in the ocean, a 12.5 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run.

Croner and Mota have trained for almost a year to be ready for the World Championship, often logging 15 hours or more of training a week, but it all pays off when they cross the finish line.

"You’re just totally elated. You’ve just gone head to head with the fastest people the world has to offer and you’ve given it everything," said Croner.

Croner and Mota will be heading to the Gold Coast later this week to be ready when the competition kicks off next Wednesday.

Both athletes are aiming to finish in the top 30 for their age group, but say the privilege of representing the united states is the biggest reward.

"It’s ultra rewarding to be on Team USA and represent the United States. It’s bigger than what you are as a person, it’s very humbling," Croner said.